Top IGCSE student in New Zealand

“I love the environment here and how everyone is very close. It’s very comfortable being in this environment.”

ACG Sunderland student Junheng (David) Li is the top IGCSE student in New Zealand following his extraordinary set of Cambridge International exam results, which included a perfect score of 200/200 in IGCSE Mathematics (Without Coursework).

The award is based on the best marks across five IGCSE subjects. David came Top in the World in IGCSE Maths (Without Coursework) and Top in New Zealand in IGCSE Physics. He also received A* grades (90% or above) in Chemistry; Biology; Music; English First Language; and Spanish.

A keen scuba diver who plays piano in the school jazz band and competed in the school’s Battle of the Bands playing drums with band Hex, David started at ACG Sunderland in Year 9. While he had hoped for good results in his exams, he had low expectations. “I push myself hard sometimes and just don’t know what to expect.”

He said his parents were also over the moon.

Now in Year 12, David’s favourite subjects are Maths (“I like it when I have to think hard about a problem and when I get the answer, it’s very rewarding”) and Physics – “it helps me explain everything I see.”

He is interested in studying Pathology at university having witnessed family members affected by cancer and wanting to learn about the intricacies of the immune system. “It’s almost like the body is waging its own little war against pathogens like bacteria and viruses,” he explains.

For now, he is loving being at ACG Sunderland. “I love the environment here and how everyone is very close. It’s very comfortable being in this environment.”

Principal Nathan Villars said David was a wonderful ACG Sunderland student.

“He is very hard working, highly motivated across all his interests – academics, music, and supporting the chosen charities for the year. He gives of his time freely, tutoring younger students at lunchtime too. He really is an all-round high achiever.”

Many people are nervous about applying to an independent school. But there’s no need to be! When you apply to ACG Sunderland, you’ll be met by the friendly face of our enrolment manager Rebekah Hanrahan.

When Year 11 student Henyang Li (Leo) was awarded Top in the World in IGCSE Design & Technology this year, he became the second Top in the World student for ACG Sunderland Design & Technology teacher Cecelia Faumuina Khakh.